ANTHONY JOSHUA has cast doubt on fighting Tyson Fury in 2021 and says he ‘would bet all his money’ that the Oleksandr Usyk fight is more likely to happen.
The WBA, WBo and IBF heavyweight champ will defend his belts in just over a week’s time against Kubrat Pulev.
Anthony Joshua thinks there is more chance of fighting Oleksandr Usyk than Tyson Fury in 2021
Fury says two fight with Joshua were ‘agreed’ – but thinks have gone quiet sinceCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
Providing he can navigate his way past the teak-tough Bulgarian, an undisputed Battle of Britain against Fury is what fans want tio see.
But Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger and is keen to not let that opportunity pass him by. That could force AJ to vacate that belt to chase Fury.
But Joshua doesn’t appear to confident of getting the all-Brit scrap over the line.
Speaking to ESPN the 31-year-old said: “When I look at Fury, great talent, but I don’t know whether he’s coming or going.
“I don’t know if he’s going to fight Wilder, or if he’s not going to fight Wilder, if he’s going to fight [Agit] Kabayel, or if he’s not going to fight Kabayel.
“He announced he was going to fight me, then the deal didn’t get signed and we’re not fighting.
Joshua added that he ‘goes off people who are serious’ and hopes that Fury deep down wants the fight.
“Honestly, I’m keen to test myself. I’m keen to compete with him, no problem. But whether he’s ready, that’s a whole other story because of the issues he faces during his career.
Oleksandr Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Joshua’s beltsCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd
“I don’t know what will happen in 2021 but if I was to bet all my money on it I would say Usyk because he is with Matchroom.
“[It’s a] straightforward fight, and his track record shows when he says he is going to fight someone, he does.”
While the Watford champ has his doubts, he is clearly desperate for the fight to happen in 2021.
And he told excluisvely told SunSport that he believes fighting Fury can lift the spirits of the nation after the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “It will be huge for the nation.
“I am a risk taker, I have always taken risks and never dodged fights with anyone.
“I want to be remembered as a fighter who gave the fans what they want.
“But I don’t just want to be part of a great event — I want to win another great fight.”
Joshua has even said he would be prepared to take a PAY CUT to get the deal over the line.
He has already missed out on an £8million payday when he fights Pulev at Wembley Arena in front of just 1,000 fans.
Bob Arum says that Tyson Fury will fight Deontay Wilder next year if Anthony Joshua loses to Kubrat Pulev
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
